World Trade in Polymers and Chemicals.

US Imports of Fabricated Plastic Product Surge in Advance of Tariffs

Although trade data for July for the US does not reflect new tariffs of 25% on many fabricated plastic products from China, US statistics showed record volumes being imported each month from May through July.

The US imposed duties of 25% on many plastic products from China as of August 23rd, with tariffs of 10% on additional products to go into effect September 24th. Several products on the September list are imported in large volumes into the US, including PVC floor and wall coverings, and polyethylene plastic bags.

Through July, the US imported a total of 2.4 million tons of plastic products identifiable by polymer grade, up 22% from the same period in 2017. China supplied 45% of the total volume.

From International Trader Publications’ United States Polymer Trade Report